JimGruenholz

A wide circle of family and friends mourn the passing of an extraordinary man. Jim Gruenholz died April 11 from complications of heart disease and diabetes at the age of 61.

Jim was born and grew up in Whittier, California. He graduated from Whittier High School, where he played varsity football and was president of his senior class. He attended Rio Hondo Junior College and later was a theology student at Pacific Union College in Angwin, California. He spent most of his working life as a painting contractor and cabinet finisher. With patience and humor he taught a succession of young men how to do a sometimes difficult and dirty job. Jim was a teacher, a talker, a teller of tales - an accomplished musician and fine bass guitarist who played everywhere from churches to biker bars. He loved the ocean - sailing, fishing, and just being within the sound of the waves. He took his children on many memorable camping trips to the coast and to the Mt. Lassen area; he was a formidable trout fisherman.

In his final years, he was able to realize his true vocation as a minister of grace. He served as director of the Alpha Program and evangelism at Redwood Covenant Church, and his passion for the Gospel will continue in the lives of the many people who heard him teach.

Jim will be sorely missed by his family: his wife of 39 years, Millie (Slack) Gruenholz, daughter Jessica Gruenholz and her fiancee GerardoFuentes, daughter Katie Cofran and son-in-law Brian Cofran, son Collin Gruenholz, parents William and Martha Gruenholz of Whittier, CA and brother Bill Gruenholz and wife Donna of Concord, CA, in addition to numerous nieces and nephews and a legion of friends. He also leaves behind his dog buddy Jax, who is still looking for him.

An open invitation is extended to all who wish to attend his memorial service at 4:00 p.m. Sunday, April 29, at Redwood Covenant Church, 3175 Sebastopol Rd., Santa Rosa, CA.